Broncos coach John Fox to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery

Broncos coach John Fox will undergo aortic valve replacement surgery in his heart either Monday or Tuesday, and will take a leave of absence for several weeks, the team announced late Saturday night.

"I sincerely appreciate the support of the Broncos, the fans, and so many people around the league," Fox said in a statement Saturday night. "Although I am disappointed I must take some time away from the team to attend to this pre-existing health condition, I understand that it's the right thing to do. I have great confidence in our coaches and players, who are fully committed to our goals.

"I look forward to returning to coaching as soon as possible."

Broncos coach John Fox on the sidelines in Indianapolis. More photos. (Andy Lyons, Getty Images)

The team added in its news release Fox had known of his heart condition for several months. With his 7-1 Broncos on a bye this weekend, Fox, 58, flew Wednesday night to Raleigh, N.C., where he met with a heart specialist. Fox then flew Thursday to Charlotte, where many of his family members live and where he has an offseason home.

It was during a golf outing Saturday in Charlotte that Fox experienced light-headedness and dizziness.

As Fox deals with his medical issues, the Broncos are expected to turn to defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as interim head coach. Del Rio has the most head coaching experience among Fox's coaching assistants, as he was the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach from 2003-2011. He posted a 73-63 record with the Jaguars.

Broncos' front-office boss John Elway was not expected to discuss the team's interim coaching position until more is known about Fox's situation Sunday.

"Our only focus at this time is the health and well-being of Coach Fox," said Broncos' media relations director Patrick Smyth.

"Coach Fox is in our prayers right now," Broncos tight end Joel Dreessen said. "He's our leader. We love him. If you know anything about him, you know he'll be just fine. This puts things in perspective. This is bigger than football."

Fox has been the Broncos' coach for three years, inheriting a team that went 4-12 in 2010 under Josh McDaniels. Fox led the Broncos to the AFC West Division championship and second round of the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, and is 7-1 halfway through his third.

The Broncos have gone 28-12 in the regular season with Fox as coach.

Before joining the Broncos, Fox had been head coach of the Carolina Panthers from 2002-2010. When his contract wasn't renewed by Carolina, he was hired quickly by the Broncos in January 2011.

"I am doing fine," Fox wrote in a text to the Broncos on Saturday afternoon. "We are just running some tests and will know more in a few hours."

A few hours later, tests revealed Fox could not put off heart surgery, as hoped.

And so the Broncos — prohibitive favorites to win the Super Bowl this year — are likely to be led by Del Rio.

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